The legislative overhaul was scheduled to be introduced in Parliament last April but was pulled at the last minute after Conservative MPs privately objected to some of the proposed provisions.

The bill finally tabled Feb. 4 effectively splits Elections Canada in two by putting its investigative powers in a separate office.

While placing new restrictions on automated robocalls during campaigns, the bill does not give Elections Canada the added investigative powers it was seeking to get to the bottom of the widespread fraudulent phone campaign of the 2011
election.

It also restricts the chief electoral officer from communicating with Canadians and effectively increases the amount parties will be able to spend during campaigns.

Chief Electoral Officer Marc Mayrand has questioned the proposed changes, fearing they will undermine Elections Canada’s efforts to encourage people to vote.